We may have already seen the last of two Sunderland players, with Regis Le Bris reportedly having big plans for January.
For Sunderland, the January transfer window could be season-defining, as the Black Cats emerge as title contenders under Regis Le Bris.
The Frenchman has Sunderland sitting in 1st place of the Championship table after the opening nine games of the season.
Form has been slightly dipping in recent weeks though, with the Black Cats having won twice, drawn once, and lost twice in between the September and October international breaks.
Last time out, Sunderland drew 2-2 with Leeds United at the Stadium of Light, thanks to a last-minute blunder from Illan Meslier in goal for Leeds.
January then could be a vital refuelling point for the Black Cats who may have one or two problem positions come the New Year.
But if the Le Bris wants new signings, then he might need Kristjaan Speakman to offload a few more to way some space in the first-team squad.
Regis Le Bris demand could spell the end for exiled Sunderland duo
A recent report from Football Insider claimed that Le Bris has told the Sunderland hierarchy that he wants to be backed well in the January transfer window.
Le Bris is keen for his side to remain automatic promotion contenders throughout and so he wants some new faces through the doors in January.
And whilst Sunderland under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus aren’t afraid to invest in their squad, and take gambles on unproven players, there’s certainly a sense of management.
Speakman won’t want an inflated team at Sunderland, and with resources not exactly in abundance, a few player sales in January may be needed to fund player purchases.
And the first names that will no doubt come to mind for Le Bris and Speakman are Adil Aouchiche and Abdoullah Ba.
What’s going on with Adil Aouchiche and Abdoullah Ba at Sunderland?
French duo Aouchiche and Abdoullah Ba have made just the one Championship appearance between them this season.
Le Bris insists that they’re still in his plans, but they’ll have to work hard to get their chance in the Championship this season.
It was also revealed that Aouchiche and Ba could’ve left Sunderland in the summer with Aouchiche reportedly unhappy at the club.
With neither able to get on the pitch, even despite Ba being named on the bench for the last three Championship games, it seems highly likely that they’ll be two who are moved on in January, in order to make way for new signings.
And it seems likely, or at least possible, that neither play for the Black Cats again.